Politics & Government
Letter to the Editor: City Engineer Responds to Baicha Tea Room Delay
Robert English says owners did not comply with removal of driveway approach.
Editor's note: City Engineer Robert English has responded to an on the delayed opening of Baicha Tea Room on Fifth Avenue South. The opening was pushed back due to parking issues in front of the business.
English says that Patch's description of the opening of the business being was not accurate and should have referred to engineering "requirements."
Here are English's comments about Baicha Tea Room, which is now open for business:
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“The permit for the business was issued on August 22, 2011, and the permit included the requirement to replace the driveway approach with sidewalk, curb and gutter as mentioned in (a statement made to Patch by Jennifer Lambert, City of Edmonds engineering technician). The owner knew at the time the permit was issued that the work would need to be completed.
“On Nov. 1, the contractor/owner called for a final Building Division inspection. They did not pass the inspection due to a building issue and because they had not completed the removal of the driveway approach. Engineering then worked with the owner to help them identify documents that would allow them to delay the driveway modification work and allow the owners to have a reinspection for their final building inspection. They passed their final Building Division inspection on Nov. 4 and the owner provided the necessary documents to the Engineering Division on Nov. 8 so their permit could be finalized.
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“The owner knew since Aug. 22 that the driveway approach had to be removed and they did not complete the work within their timeframe for opening the business. Engineering then promptly acted on the owner’s request and assisted them in finding a solution to allow the business to open.
“We welcome Baicha Tea Room to the City and wish them success in their new business.”
The temporary solution to the driveway entrance, which will be inaccessible once the sidewalk in front of it is completed, is a couple of flower pots blocking the entrance to discourage parking there.